Growing African Violets

I would have really enjoyed having a nice greenhouse, but that didn't happen. I do have an 8-foot eastern-facing window in my living room, which has been a nice place to raise my houseplants in the winter. I am a fickle person and my plants of choice often change. The 8-foot table in front of my window has been filled at various times with orchids, cacti, amaryllis, and African Violets. Some years I started begonia tubers here. This year my blooming plants for winter enjoyment are African Violets. Here are some tips on the ways I grow my violets.

When I plant a perennial, I look forward to many years of enjoyment. To me, AV's are disposable plants, as are Poinsettias. Here they are $4-$5 dollars. I don't take the best care of them in the summer, when I want to be outside, so each fall I replace some of them. Nice plants are available here in some nurseries, supermarkets, and big-box stores. The hunt for some new plants is part of the fun. I look for nice plants that are starting to bloom and are full of buds. Newly purchased plants have often been overwatered, so when I bring the plants home I place them on a thickness of paper towel to wick out the extra water. AV's grow well in an east window. South and west windows can work out if the sun is filtered through sheer drapery. AV's prosper best with as much light as they can get without burning. I often read that many plants are killed because of overwatering. Violets like moist but not saturated soil. They like some air in the soil around the roots. Mine usually go about 5 days between watering. If the pots feel light and the surface is dry, it is time to water. Watering from the top or bottom can both work. I like to put a small amount of a balanced fertilizer in the water with each watering. Turn your plants frequently to keep them symmetrical. If you don't have a lot of room, there are some nice miniatures available.
A selection of mini's

Here are some of my violets......